Top Banner
Parliamentary Procedures
23

Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Apr 24, 2018

Download

Documents

phamcong
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Parliamentary Procedures

Page 2: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Parliamentary Procedures

Parliamentary law provides for an orderly plan to follow in carrying on the business of a meeting. It is

simple in principle and is based largely on common sense and courtesy.

A system of rules for the conduct of meetings is adopted with the following objects in view:

1. that business may be carried on with ease, dignity and dispatch;

2. that the interests of the organization as a whole may be preserved;

3. that the view and rights of the individual may meet with due recognition

This booklet is intended to provide guidance to officers and members in their roles, and in the conduct

of meetings. In addition, many organizations will need bylaws dealing with its objectives and specific

practices to ensure a general understanding of procedures among members.

Disclaimer

All information provided is believed to be accurate and reliable. We will make changes, updates, and deletions as required and make every

effort to ensure the accuracy and quality of the information provided. However, the Province of Manitoba and Recreation Connections

Manitoba assume no responsibility for any errors and are not liable for damages of any kind resulting from the use of, or reliance on, the

information contained herein.

Extension Division, University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Bulletin Number 221

Re-printed 1979

Page 3: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Table of Contents

OFFICERS............................................................................................................. 4

President, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, vacancies and resignations

COMMITTEES...................................................................................................... 8

MEMBERS............................................................................................................ 9

MEETINGS............................................................................................................ 10

Types, order of business, minutes, report of treasurer

MOTIONS.............................................................................................................. 12 Making and handling, notice of motion, voting at a later meeting, amending, reconsidering, withdrawal, adjournment, chart on action for handling

OUT OF ORDER..................................................................................................... 14

VOTING AT A MEETING......................................................................................... 16

NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS........................................................................... 17

A GUEST SPEAKER.................................................................................................. 18

ORDER OF BUSINESS AT AN ANNUAL MEETING...................................................19

RESOLUTIONS........................................................................................................ 19

APPENDIX A: CONTACT LIST

Page 4: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 4

Parliamentary Procedures

The President

The president is the chief officer and, as such, takes the lead in the affairs of the organization.

The president presides at each meeting in such a way that all members will feel free to take part.

The president may be re-elected but it is not good practice to keep the same president for more than

two consecutive years.

Duties of the President

1. Directs the activities of the group and presides at meetings, maintaining order and keeping the

meeting moving.

2. Delegates to other officers or committees the task of making all arrangements for the use of

buildings, equipment, etc but should check to be sure that this is done satisfactorily.

3. Meets with other officers, especially secretary and program committee to prepare the agenda

prior to the meeting.

4. Call the meeting to order

5. Cast deciding vote in case of ties.

6. Manages or conducts meetings by:

a. assigning the floor to one speaker at a time;

b. co-oordinating discussion and assuring that the discussion stays on topic or problem

under consideration;

c. referring to self as “the chair”

d. providing and/or summarizing facts and details as necessary;

e. stating clearly every motion before the vote is taken, announcing the results of the

vote and overseeing the actual voting such as appointing scrutineers as required;

f. recognizing members who wish to address the chair and referring to them by name.

7. If the president wishes to take part in the discussion, the vice-president, or someone else

should be asked to occupy the Chair or “to assume Chairpersonship of the meeting.” It is not

good procedure to give opinions while in the Chair.

Officers

● ● ●

Major responsibilities:

Directing business meetings

Keeping up to date

Encouraging the work of committees

● ● ●

Page 5: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 5

Parliamentary Procedures

Suggestions for the President

Open meetings on time and proceed in a business-like manner. Adjourn meetings on time – this

is important too!

Arrive for the meeting early to check on seating and equipment, and to review items of business

with officers.

Know the simple rules of parliamentary procedure and any variations of these that appear in

the organization by-laws.

Conduct the meetings with tact, firmness and fairness. It is not good practice to hold whispered

conferences with other officers while in the Chair, although it is in order to consult the secretary

or other offices in a normal voice.

Remember all members have equal right on the floor but, politely and firmly, declare members

out of order when necessary.

Avoid use of personal pronoun. Instead use Your President” or “the Chair, when referring to

self.

• When vote is by ballot;

• To break a tie

The president may vote:

• Approve payment of bills passed by the organization

• Be one of the co-signers of cheques issued on the organization’s bank account

The president should:

• Open the meeting or call the house to order;

• Put a question and to announce a vote;

• Address the meeting;

• Introduce a speaker;

• Express appreciation and thanks.

In more formal settings, the president may stand to:

Page 6: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 6

Parliamentary Procedures

Duties of the Vice-President

1. Learns the duties of the president and acts as Chairperson when he/she is absent or when

called to the Chair by the president.

2. Assist the president whenever possible.

3. Assumes duties as allotted by the organization such as assisting other members to prepare their

part of the program and looking after visitors and special guest on behalf of the group.

4. In many organizations, the vice-president automatically becomes Chairperson if the president

moves away or, for some other reason, leaves the group.

Duties of the Secretary

1. Take charge of the secretary’s book. Provides a definite place for keeping this book,

correspondence, and other records belonging to the organization.

2. Receives and reads correspondence and brings it to the attention of the appropriate officer.

3. Confers with president to ensure awareness of pending business.

4. Keeps notes on all motions and happenings of the meeting and writes them into the secretary’s

book, and prepares to read minutes at each meeting.

5. Sits at the front of the table, near the president.

6. Reads all pertinent letters received by the organization at the request of the president.

7. Acts as Chair if both the president and vice-president are absent and then appoints an acting

secretary for that meeting.

8. Participates when appropriate in discussion and voting.

Suggestions for the Secretary

In writing the minutes of the meeting, the secretary should record the following:

kind of meeting (regular or special);

name of organization;

date and place of meeting;

number of members and names of special guests;

statement that the minutes of the last meeting were or were not read and approved;

all business transacted, including motions made, names of members who moved and

seconded each motion and whether the motion was carried or defeated;

committees appointed – names of members and terms of reference;

committee reports and their disposal – accepted, tabled etc.;

statement on correspondence handled by the meeting;

any special features of the meeting such as the program;

time of adjournment;

time and place of next meeting, if not indicated in bylaw of the organization.

Page 7: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 7

Parliamentary Procedures

Duties of the Treasurer

1. Monitors the organization’s budget so it will meet its financial needs

2. Keeps the money belonging to the organization in a safe place, such as a bank or credit union as

directed by the organization.

3. Keeps an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures.

4. Makes regular written financial reports which include the following information:

a. Name of organization

b. Period which report covers

c. Cash balance at beginning of period

d. Income received during period

e. Expenses paid during period

f. Cash balance at end of period

g. Signature of treasurer

Note: The income and expenses categories in the report should match with those listed in the

organization’s budget.

5. The treasurer and president usually act as co-signers for all cheques.

6. Pays accounts voted by the organization.

7. Submits an annual report showing receipts, payments and balance on hand.

The secretary should receive of copy of the treasurer’s report to attach to the meeting minutes.

A treasurer's report is "received" as it is given and no motion should be made to "adopt", "accept" or "approve" it. However, an annual auditors' report, is "accepted" or “adopted”, but not the treasurer's financial report itself.

In many organizations, one person often carries the responsibilities of both secretary and treasurer;

that person’s office is then known as the secretary-treasurer.

Vacancies and Resignations by Officers

1. If an officer retires from office during the year, the vacancy may be filled at the next regular

meeting by nomination and election in a regular way or by the procedure laid down in the

bylaw.

2. Resignations should be in writing and given to the president or secretary.

Page 8: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 8

Parliamentary Procedures

Committees

Most organizations have committees of two types:

a. Standing committees – permanently established to deal with continuing aspect of the

organization’s work such as a program, membership and study; and

b. Special committees – are set up to do specific tasks such as organize a recreation event for the

group or assemble facts and figures required by the group to make a suitable situation.

It is important that the committee’s terms of reference (objectives) be accurately defined when it is

first set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what

authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what monies have been allotted, and when

the report is required.

Committees are set up in various ways:

a. Named by the Chair when so directed by the meeting, or

b. Named by nominating committee, or

c. Elected after nominations from the floor, or

d. Members volunteer to serve, or

e. As directed on the organizations bylaws.

Procedures of Committees

1. The elected or selected Chair of a committee proceeds to chair committee meetings to achieve

the objectives outlined in the terms of reference.

2. Committee reports are presented in writing:

a. to the organization’s chair who presents it to a meeting or uses it appropriately, or

b. to the meeting by chair or secretary of the chair of the committee, in which case a motion by

the chair or member of the committee or by the meeting may be made in one of the following

ways:

i. that it be recorded and filed – no action be taken;

ii. that it be received as information and filed;

iii. that it be adopted – motion for adoption made by one presenting report. If this motion is

carried, it has the effect of endorsing the statement and making the organization assume

responsibility for it;

iv. that it be referred back to committee for further consideration (usually by the meeting);

v. that it be tabled (usually by the meeting) – no action taken unless motion made at later

meeting to “take it off the table.”

Page 9: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 9

Parliamentary Procedures

Suggestions for Committees First one named on the committee is temporary chair:

gets lists of members, appoints time, place and makes arrangements for meeting, calls

meeting to order, asks for nominations for permanent chairperson.

Notify president of all meetings.

Committees should know:

if they can add to their number;

if they can take action or if they must report to the executive before doing so;

duties – report on activities, not to undertake responsibility or spend money unless given

authorization.

Committee proceeds to carry out its directives and reports the majority decision.

A minority of a committee may present a “minority report” which shall be heard before the committee report has been acted upon.

Need more help?

Contact the Recreation and Regional Services office nearest you.

See Appendix A

Page 10: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 10

Parliamentary Procedures

Members

The members are the indispensable part of any organization and they are responsible for the activities and atmosphere of the group. It is they who empower officers and committees to perform in various ways and it is their co-operation with these officers and committees that allows the group to move toward its objectives.

Certain forms of co-operation are implicit in the duties of officers and committees. These are:

motions are made by one member and seconded by another;

voting on motions and elections is done honestly;

members speak to a motion only once until all who wish to speak have done so;

members keep to the topic under discussion;

members participate in committees and projects in ways which are appropriate to their skills and interests.

Other forms of co-operation develop from the needs and expectations of the group:

members of an organization should make it a point of honour not to discuss the affairs of the organization outside. If everything that is discussed in a meeting is spoken of abroad it is often garbled and misunderstood and must often prevent free expression of opinion by the members, thus unfavourably affecting one of the best uses for which the organization exists. A member who breaks this law of honour may often unwittingly do the organization a great deal of injury;

members are expected to voice difficulties and criticism within the group rather than outside;

members who are the minority are expected to accept, and if possible to assist in carrying through projects decided by the majority;

members are well-advised to note the talents of themselves and of other members and, when possible, encourage their use and development through participation in group activities;

members should expect to encourage the development of the many variety of leadership in themselves and each other. These may be valuable to both the group and the larger community.

Page 11: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 11

Parliamentary Procedures

Meetings

Types of Meetings

1. Regular

2. Annual

3. Special - held when necessary

secretary notifies members

only business the meeting is called for is transacted

minutes of it are read at the next regular meeting

Suggested Order of Business at Regular Meetings

1. Opening exercises

2. Reading and adoption of minutes

3. Report of the treasurer

4. Discussion of business arising out of the minutes

5. Reading of correspondence

6. Discussion of correspondence

7. Discussion of unfinished business if not included in (4) – optional

8. Reports of committees and discussion of same

9. New business

10. Adjournment

Approval of the minutes from a meeting

1. Minutes are presented by the secretary

2. The Chair asks if any additions or corrections. If none:

a. says,” I declare the minutes approved as read,” and signs the minute book

b. the Chair calls for motion from the floor for adoption of minutes and a member says, “I move the minutes adopted as read – or corrected.” This requires a seconder and a general vote.

Report of the Treasurer

1. The report of the receipts and disbursements of the organization is read by the treasurer.

2. The report is for information only. As such it is not adopted nor voted on except after audit.

3. Audited financial statements are read by the treasurer. The chairperson puts the question on adopting these statements. This requires a seconder and is voted on by the meeting.

Page 12: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 12

Parliamentary Procedures

Motions

The business of a meeting is carried on by means of motions. In a broad sense, a motion is a formal

statement of a proposal for an assembly to consider and vote upon. To put forth a motion is equivalent

to announcing to the group. “Here is a good suggestion. What do you think of the idea? Maybe we

should decide to use it.” Any member may make a motion. A member, who wants to suggest

something, an idea or plan or wants something done, makes a motion.

Making and Handling Motions 1. To make a motion, first obtain the floor by being recognized by the presiding officer. Then state

the motion as “I move that....”

2. Any member may second it by saying, “ I second the motion,” indicating that he/she also

approves of the motion.

a motion may not be discussed nor voted upon unless it is seconded by another

member.

if no one seconds a motion immediately, the Chair should ask “Is there a seconder to the

motion?” If there is still no seconder, the Chair then declares the motion lost without a

vote.

3. Once a motion is made and seconded, the Chair repeats the motion and then asks for

discussion by the members. All discussion should be addressed to the Chair and be about the

motion. A member should speak only once to a motion.

A motion introducing a new subject or idea must not be made while there is another

motion before the meeting. Such a motion would be declared out of order.

Amendments, postponements, adjournments and tabling motions are not considered

“out of order.”

(See chart page

4. After a reasonable length of time for discussion, or when discussion stops, the Chair puts the

motion to a vote.

Notice of Motion This is used in matters of special importance such as changes in the organizations by-laws.

A notice of motion is given verbally at the preceding meeting, OR

Written notices may be sent to members at least three weeks before the meeting.

Voting on a Motion A vote may be taken:

a. at the meeting (see page) OR

b. at a later meeting (see below)

Page 13: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 13

Parliamentary Procedures

Voting on a Motion at a later meeting 1. If majority of members do not wish to take the vote at the meeting it may be disposed of by

one of these methods:

a. The vote be postponed until a specified future date or indefinitely.

b. The motion laid on the table; that is it be left for consideration at unspecified future time. A

majority is needed to carry this and the motion is not debatable.

c. The question be referred to a committee to report at a later date.

2. Also, a motion may be:

a. Amended, see below

b. Withdrawn (refer to page)

c. Taken from the table

Amending a Motion An amendment alters or modifies intention of the original motion, but does not reverse the intent. A

motion is altered by:

a. Adding to it, or

b. Deleting from it, or

c. Both

Sample motion: Moved that the club purchase stacking chairs. (Seconded)

Example of:

a. Adding to a motion:

Amendment: “I move that we add costing less than $10.00 each.”

b. Deleting a motion:

Amendment: “I move we delete “stacking.”

1. A member moves an amendment before the vote is taken on the original motion, and the

amendment must be seconded before discussion.

2. The chairperson reads original motion, and the amendment, calls for a discussion and a vote on

the amendment.

3. An amendment is always voted on before the original motion is put to the meeting.

4. If the amendment is carried, the change is made in the original motion and a vote on the

amended motion is called.

5. If the amendment is lost, a vote is called on the original motion.

Reconsidering a Motion 1. A motion which has been voted on and carried may not be reconsidered at the same meeting.

2. A member intending to re-introduce a question must give “notice of motion” stating the date of

the meeting at which the motion will be brought forward.

3. Two-thirds of members present is required to rescind a motion.

Page 14: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 14

Parliamentary Procedures

Withdrawal of a Motion A member having made a motion may withdraw it with consent of the seconder before it is debated;

after debate, it may be withdrawn only with the unanimous consent of the meeting.

Motion to Adjourn 1. The motion is always in order provided a speaker is not interrupted.

2. A motion to adjourn is not debatable.

3. A majority vote is required to carry a motion to adjourn.

The chairperson asks for a motion to adjourn. When responded to by a member, “I move this meeting

be adjourned,” neither a seconder nor a vote is required.

Action for Handling Different Motions From the time a motion is first put forward until it is finally passed, many things can occur to alter,

postpone, suppress or defeat it. To facilitate the handling of different types of motions and the action

of motions, the sample chart has been provided.

1. Subsidiary Motion: Motions that pertain to a main motion which is pending or under

consideration.

2. Privileged Motion: Motions which are vital and take precedence over all others. Chiefly

concerned with personal comfort, ability to hear a speaker, misconduct etc.

3. Incidental Motion: Secondary motions which grow out of another already under consideration

and must be decided prior to the original.

4. Unclassified Motion: General motions.

Out of Order Occasionally a person, motion or remark is “out of order” and does not follow the approved

rules of procedure. This presents a difficult situation to the chairperson because he must stop the proceedings and direct the board back onto the correct course. When the situation arises, the chairperson must act immediately and made three separate statements. In effect,

he/she must say “Stop. This is not right,” and then carry on and explain why it is “out of order” and explain why it is “out of order and what is “in order.

A motion is “out of order” when it is moved while a motion of higher precedence is pending.

A person is “out of order” when he begins to speak without recognition of the Chair or when

he/she is not a member in good standing of the organization.

A remark is out of order when it violates some ruling of the organization.

Page 15: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 15

Parliamentary Procedures

Handling Different Types of Motions

Type of Motion Purpose Requires Discussion Requires Vote

To postpone indefinitely

To prevent a vote on the question, or to suppress

Yes Over 1/2

To lay on the table or to table a motion

To clear the floor for more urgent business; to set aside

No Over 1/2

To amend To improve the motion Yes Over 1/2

To refer to committee

To allow more careful consideration, delays action on motion

Yes Over 1/2

To limit to extend discussion to a certain time

Provides more or less time for discussion of the motion

No 2/3

Question of privilege To bring up urgent matter due to undesirable conditions

No Over 1/2

To take a recess Secure a rest Yes, if no motion is pending

Over 1/2

To adjourn End the meeting No Over 1/2

To call for the order of the day

To keep the meeting going along proper order

No No vote

To rise to a point of other

To enforce rules or call attention to violation of rules

No No vote (Chair rules)

To appeal from decision of chair

To determine attitude of board on ruling made by chair

No Over 1/2

To suspend rules temporarily

Allows special action not possible under rules

No 2/3

To withdraw motion To present vote or inclusion in the minutes

No Over 1/2

To take from the table

To continue discussion of the question

No Over 1/2

To object to consideration of a question

To prevent wasting time on unimportant discussion

No 2/3

To rescind To repeal discussion on a motion

Yes 2/3

To ratify To approve previous action taken

Yes 2/3

To postpone definitely (to a certain time)

Allows more time for informal discussion for obtaining more support

Yes Over 1/2

Page 16: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 16

Parliamentary Procedures

Voting on a Motion at a Meeting

The chairperson reads the motion to the meeting, says that the motion had been seconded, and asks,

“Are you ready for the question?”

The vote is taken by:

1. Show of hands or standing

The chairperson call for those in favour and after these are counted, for those against. Both the

chairperson and secretary take the count and the chairperson announces the result.

Note: The chairperson votes only to break a tie.

2. Ballot

a. At least two scrutineers are appointed by the Chair to distribute and collect ballots and

count the votes. In an election, no member whose name is voted on should as a scrutineer.

b. All blank or uncertain ballots are discarded.

c. After counting the ballots the scrutineers report – usually in writing –the results to the

chairperson.

d. The chairperson declares, “The motion is carried” or “The motion is lost,” or “has been

elected” according to the vote. In an election, the chairperson does not announce the

number of ballots cast for each nominee.

3. Word of Mouth

Used as a matter of routine and where it is unlikely to cause conflict.

4. Division

Vote by division is rare. Those in favour assemble to the side of the room to the chairperson’s

right, and those against to the left.

5. Roll Call

Another form that is rarely used. Each member votes as his/her name is called.

Page 17: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 17

Parliamentary Procedures

Nominations and Elections

Nominating and electing officers are important parts of an organization’s business. Much of the

success of an organization will depend upon the officers elected. The annual election of officers should

always be conducted in an orderly, parliamentary manner. Only members in good standing may vote in

the election.

Nominations: A nomination is the formal presentation to the assembly of the name of a

candidate for the office to be filled. The candidate or person suggested for the office is referred to as

the nominee.

Methods of Nominating a Member for Office 1. By open nominations from the floor: Chairperson asks for nominations. A member should

address the Chair and, after being recognized, state the name of the nominee and position or

office. It is not necessary for nominations to be seconded. The chairperson will repeat the

name of the person nominated and ask for further nominations. The secretary should record all

the names of those nominated. When there are no further nominations, the chairperson may

close the nominations or a member may move that the nominations cease. This motion must be

recorded and voted upon. The listing of nominees is the basis of the election.

2. Nominations by a Nominating Committee: A committee may be appointed to submit a list of

names of one or more members as candidates for each office and obtain their consent. This list

should be posted and treated in the same way as nominations from the floor. Further

nominations may be made from the floor, once the nominating committee has presented its

report. If no further nominations occur, the Nominations chairperson presents the list – called a

slate –as a motion which is then seconded. A majority vote adopts the slate. If there is more

than one nominee for an office, an election must be held.

3. Nominations by written ballot: Scrutineers are appointed to pass out ballots for votes. Each

member writes the name of the candidate he/she wishes to nominate, and the office on the

ballot, folds it and passes it back to the scrutineer. From the ballots, a list of all nominees for all

offices is prepared. The chairperson announces this listing and elections are held among all

nominees for each office.

Voting on Nominees Once nominations have closed, the chairperson should read the names of all those nominated.

1. If only one person has been nominated for an office, that person is declared elected by

acclamation.

2. When the election is necessary, the members usually vote for each office separately by

ballot.

Page 18: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 18

Parliamentary Procedures

A Guest Speaker

Thanking the Speaker Thanks are usually expressed by one of the

members Be sincere and brief. Unwarranted praise

may embarrass. If the speaker receives no fee, it is an

acceptable practice to present him or her with a small memento.

A letter of thanks is sent the day after the speaker has visited a group. This is often overlooked.

An informal gathering after the meeting will probably be appreciated.

A summary of the presentation should be kept in the organization’s files.

Selecting the Speaker 1. Invite a speaker, with the appropriate experience and skills, to discuss a predetermined theme

based on the goals of the organization and the wishes of the membership.

2. Invite the speaker well in advance of the meeting.

3. Supply the speaker with all the information you can about the objectives of a program, the community and the organization.

Preparation for the Speaker 1. Secure biographical information for the member who is to introduce the guest speaker.

2. Arrange for publicity if applicable.

3. Decide who is to introduce and who is to thank the speaker.

4. Prior to the meeting check into:

lighting

seating arrangements

drinking water for speaker

other

heating and ventilation

audio-visual equipment

extension cords

Welcoming the Speaker The chairperson or another person authorized by the chairperson, should meet the speaker, conveying

last-minute details and information.

Introducing the Speaker 1. Sometimes the chairperson makes the introduction; more often, he/she delegates the honour to

someone else.

2. Answer these questions in the introduction briefly but adequately:

Why this speaker?

On this subject?

At this time?

To this audience?

Page 19: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 19

Parliamentary Procedures

The Annual Meeting

The annual meeting is the last meeting of the organization’s year as outlined in the by-laws.

1. Reports of officials, treasurer and standing committees are presented.

Suggested Order of Business at Annual Meeting 1. Opening Remarks and Call to Order

2. President’s Address

3. Reading and Approval of minutes of last annual meeting

4. Treasurer’s annual report

5. Auditor’s report

6. Reports of special committees

7. Annual reports of standing committees

8. Review of Notice of Motions

9. Election of officers

10. Adjournment

Resolutions A resolution is an expression of an opinion of a group.

Resolutions are used to:

a. change bylaws; b. commend action by individuals, groups or agencies; c. endorse ideas of other groups; d. bring opinions of an organization to the attention of other organizations and/or agencies for

action.

When a resolution is directed toward action by another organization the explanatory material should be accurate and detailed.

A resolution is:

a. in two parts – the resolution and supporting information

b. always in writing

c. used instead of motion in large conventions

d. circulated among voting members prior to the convention if so ordered by the bylaws

e. presented in the same way as a motion and requires a seconder

f. may be amended in the same way as a motion

g. after discussion, voted on by a show of hands, ballot or by other means (see page 17) on call by the presiding officer

h. if carried, forwarded to the person, organization or agency to whom it is directed or as outlined n the originating groups procedures.

Page 20: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 20

Parliamentary Procedures

Example of a resolution:

WHEREAS car accidents are becoming more frequent; and

WHEREAS many of these are caused by the physical ailments of the drivers;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the (Name of Group), recommend that all applicants for

driver’s licences (new or renewal) in Saskatchewan be required to pass a medical examination.

Present trends make it acceptable to write the resolution with the desired change first followed by the

reasons or information. The above resolution in this form would read:

BE IT RESOLVED that we, the (Name of Group), recommend that all applicants for driver’s

licences (new or renewal) be required to pass a medical examination.

BECAUSE car accidents are becoming more frequent, and

BECAUSE many of these are caused by physical ailments of the drivers.

Page 21: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 21

Parliamentary Procedures

References

1. General Henry M. Robert. Robert’s Rules of Order. Revised Edition. Toronto: The Ryerson

Press, 1951. www.robertsrules.org

2. Alice F. Sturgis. Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure. New York: McGraw Hill Book Company Inc., 1950.

3. Canadian Council on 4-H Clubs. 4-H Parliamentary Procedure Guide. Ottawa, Canada.

4. Guide to Resolutions Committees of Provincial and Local CAC Associations. January , 1968

5. Parliamentary Procedures – www.parliamentarypro.org, 2011

Page 22: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what

Page 22

Parliamentary Procedures

Contact List

Province of Manitoba Recreation and Regional Services

Winnipeg (Main Office) Norman Region 310, 800 Portage Ave. 59 Elizabeth Drive Winnipeg, MB R3G 0N4 Thompson, MB R8N 1X4 Phone: 204-945-3766 Phone: 204-677-6784 Fax: 204-945-1684 Fax: 204-677-6862 Email: [email protected] 79 3rd St. West Central Region Box 2250 225 Wardrop St. The Pas, MB R9A 1M4 Morden, MB R6M 1N4 Phone: 204-627-8213 Phone: 204-822-5418 Fax: 204-627-8236 Fax: 204-822-2915 Toll-free: 1-866-346-5219 Parkland Region 27-2nd Ave., S.W. Eastman Region Dauphin, MB R7N 3E5 20-1st St., South Phone: 204-622-2022 P.O. Box 50 Fax: 204-638-6558 Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0 Phone: 204-268-6018 Westman Region Fax: 204-268-60670 146, 340-9th St. Toll-free: 1-800-665-6107 Brandon, MB R7A 6C2 Phone: 204-726-6066 Interlake Region Fax: 204-726-6583 62 Second Ave. Toll-free: 1-800-259-6592 P.O. Box 1519 Gimli, MB R0C 1B0 Phone: 204-642-6006 Fax: 204-642-6080 Toll-free: 1-866-259-5748 Province of Manitoba Aboriginal & Northern Affairs Box 33, 59 Elizabeth Drive Thompson, MB R8N 1X4 Phone: 204-677-6794 Fax: 204-677-6525 Email: [email protected]

Page 23: Parliamentary Procedures set up to avoid misunderstanding. Terms of reference should outline what is to be done, what authority the committee possesses to carry out the task, what